Launch animation film 'Procure differently, collaborate differently'

Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg, together with a number of cooperation partners (ENGIE, Eliquo and the Combinatie Mobilis Croonwolter&dros), recently produced an animated film about working with framework contracts. In a nutshell, the animation tells the reason and background of the innovative framework contracts and discusses the many advantages. The chosen approach of framework contracts and construction teams is an absolute must for everyone in the construction industry. The animated film "Procure differently, collaborate differently" explains why.

Large prestigious construction projects are often the showpieces of city or country. The downside is that many such projects suffer from significant budget overruns, resulting in frustration among the client, contractor and taxpaying citizens. Limburg Water Board's approach of working with framework contracts and construction teams proves that things can be done differently and better.

Framework contracts and construction teams

This approach emphasizes equal partnership with multi-year cooperation and taking advantage of synergies. For large multidisciplinary and monodisciplinary works, a general tender was issued on the basis of European procurement rules. Multi-year framework agreements were concluded with the "winners." They are eligible to carry out projects. Before parties proceed with project execution, open and transparent cooperation with the contractors is key. The design phase, also known as the construction team phase, is largely completed jointly by the parties; this involves sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and experiences and jointly managing risks, opportunities, costs and lead times.

Better, faster, cheaper and more fun!

The advantages of this approach are numerous, both for Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg and for the contractors involved. Guus Pelzer, director of Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg: "For us, the shorter turnaround saves time and thus costs. In addition, through the joint start of a project, the pre-calculations and estimation of risks are significantly better. The result: A fair price, no hassle with additional costs plus more job satisfaction! Together with the framework contractors we are now more than ever able to respond to the social challenges of our time with innovative developments'.

Look!

A good practice example deserves to be followed. For Sector Director Business Support Nicole Hendrix, it is important to share and propagate the new approach with a wide audience. This is done in the form of an animated film. She is enthusiastic about the end result. 'Thanks to the commitment and involvement of all the cooperation partners, the animated film has become an excellent recommendation for the whole of the construction industry in the Netherlands to emulate the concept of framework contracts.' Watch it, then!

About Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg

Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg treats wastewater and converts sewage sludge into valuable raw materials and energy. We do this innovatively and sustainably, efficiently and effectively. The wastewater comes from 500,000 Limburg households and 30,000 companies connected to the sewer system. We transport the wastewater to one of our 17 wastewater treatment plants where we purify it and give it back to nature. The sewage sludge is reused as fuel. Every year we produce 150 million m³ of treated wastewater and 100,000 tons of sewage sludge, making us an important link in the water chain. Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg is a subsidiary of Waterschap Limburg.